In a year when it seems like our lives have been turned up side down, it’s even more important to be thankful.
From fears of Covid, face masks and the daily changing of business regulations to an election year, school openings and closings, and the feeling of isolation at home. Our routines have changed, it’s more complicated to be in public, the news is cautioning us to avoid family gatherings and so much more is just not “normal”
But, if you’re reading this you’re still alive! Living in Colorado is beautiful, it’s easy to go outside for a walk, online shopping is faster than ever, the holidays are coming and the election is over.
Just the ending of the election cycle will begin bringing our lives back to normal. No more ads (except in Georgia) and the end of candidates jockeying for position, fighting over who said what and trying to earn your vote.
Covid really has caused changes in our lives that were totally unexpected at the beginning of 2020. We’re far more cautious about close contact, being near strangers in stores and working with our colleagues. Cancelling of conferences, public events, holiday parties, sports, festivals and more has created a huge financial, social and connection void for all of us.
Yet among all of us, Americans and Coloradans alike, there’s a strength, spirit of optimism and resolve to make the best of our current circumstances and keep moving forward.
Harvard Medical School suggests that Giving thanks can make you happier in a recent article.
We must look around and take stock of the things for which to be thankful–health, loved ones (even if we can’t see them), a place to live, employment, holiday season and so much more.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.“
The United States is a land of possibilities. Every day is a new opportunity to be thankful, appreciate the beauty around us and take on the fears that hold us back.
Sometimes life feels like two steps forward and one step back but at least you’re still moving forward.